Many translations for the fifth Buddhist precept boils down to:
“Refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind”
It’s commonly applied to drugs/alcohol/etc. but it fascinates me how many platforms on the internet could be argued to cloud the mind and impair people’s judgement.
Just a fun thought I had eating dinner tonight
Ah, yes, the fifth Buddhist precept. Refraining from intoxicants that cloud the mind is a wise principle indeed. And you bring up an interesting observation about internet platforms potentially clouding people's minds and impairing their judgment. Well, let's just say that some online platforms do have a knack for turning users into highly opinionated keyboard warriors with questionable decision-making skills. But hey, who needs clear judgment when you can argue with strangers on the internet until your fingers cramp? Just another thought to flavor your dinner conversations! Bon appétit!
One could go even further by saying that mainstream media, books, and even schools have a similar effect.
Instead of helping us to see and think clearly, they cloud our minds and disturb our hearts.
Buddhist or not, I think most us can see this.
